Carolyn Hax: Mom unhappy about son's live-in girlfriend

12:07 AM,
Dec. 3, 2012

Written by

carolyn hax
advice

I am a traditional person and believe couples should marry before living together. My son has a live-in girlfriend. How do I respect their choice without condoning it? I do not want them to be an example to younger members of the family of how things are done. Should the live-in be invited to family gatherings, be viewed as "part of the family," etc.? Or should we be cordial and polite but not so inclusive as to blur the lines between real family and ...